Relocate to Minnesota: Moving to Lakeville and the Twin Cities

Moving across the country is a lot. Picking the right suburb shouldn't be a guess.

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Picking a suburb from 1,000 miles away

Your company just told you you're relocating to Minneapolis.

Or family is pulling you back to Minnesota.

Either way, you're now trying to choose a suburb you've never driven through, using Google Maps, Reddit threads, and listing photos.

That's stressful. And the stakes are real. The suburb you pick decides your commute, your kids' schools, and what your weekends look like for years.

I'm Demyan Trofimovich. I live in Lakeville, and I help people relocate here, and anywhere in Dakota County and the Twin Cities metro. Relocation is the core of my business.

Why work with a relocation specialist

I've made this move myself. I came to Minnesota in 2005 and didn't speak English when I arrived. Since then I've lived in Woodbury, Minneapolis, Apple Valley, and now Lakeville. I know what it feels like to be new here.

I work with corporate relocation companies. If your employer offers a relocation package, I know how those programs work and how to make sure you get the most out of yours.

Remote buying is normal for my clients. Video walkthroughs, virtual tours, e-signing, and remote closings are part of the everyday process, not a special favor.

I'll tell you the truth about each suburb. Including when Lakeville isn't the right fit for you.

How relocating with me works

1. Free discovery call

We talk through your job location, commute tolerance, budget, school priorities, and lifestyle. Even if you're a year out, this call narrows your search from dozens of suburbs to two or three.

2. Get the Minnesota Move Guide

My guide breaks down suburbs across the metro with scorecards, my honest take on each, and head-to-head comparisons. It's the homework most people wish they'd had before their first visit.

Download the free Minnesota Move Guide

3. Talk to a lender and check your relocation benefits

Get pre-approved early. If your employer offers a relocation package, find out what it covers: closing costs, temporary housing, moving expenses, or help selling your current home. Some packages have rules about which agents or lenders you can use, so ask before you commit to anyone.

4. Tour suburbs, in person or virtually

Many clients fly in for one focused day or weekend. We drive the suburbs on your shortlist, see the commute in real life, and tour homes. If you can't make the trip, I'll do live video tours of both homes and neighborhoods.

5. Search and make offers remotely

You'll get new listings as soon as they hit the market. When the right one comes up, I'll walk it on video, point out what photos don't show, and help you write a strong offer from wherever you are.

6. Inspection, appraisal, and closing

I'll attend the inspection, keep you updated on every step, and coordinate with your lender and title company. Many relocation clients close remotely and see the house in person for the first time on move-in day.

7. Settling in

Utilities, school enrollment, winter gear, and my favorite local spots. Moving here is more than buying a house. I'll help you feel at home.

Why People Relocate to Lakeville, MN

Lakeville is one of those suburbs where you can have a pretty different lifestyle depending on which part of the city you live in.

You've got established neighborhoods around Lake Marion and Orchard Lake, newer communities like Spirit of Brandtjen Farm, acreage properties on the outskirts, and new construction continuing to expand farther south.

And that's one of the things I like most about Lakeville. You're not limited to one type of neighborhood.

Here's what I think really makes Lakeville stand out:

• Schools are a big draw. For a lot of families I work with, this is the first thing they ask about. Most of Lakeville is in ISD 194, but some pockets fall in ISD 196 (Spirit of Brandtjen Farm is one of them), and a few areas fall in ISD 192 Farmington. Both 194 and 196 are well regarded, so it really depends on which pocket you're in. Always confirm the district for the specific address. Comparing districts across the metro? My Minnesota's Top 30 School Districts guide is a good place to start.
• Youth sports are a big part of life here. Between Lakeville's hockey programs, baseball, soccer, and activities at Hasse Arena and Ames Arena, there's a lot happening throughout the year. If your weekends revolve around practices and games, you'll notice how active the community is.
• The neighborhood communities. Places like Spirit of Brandtjen Farm and other planned communities offer pools, walking trails, neighborhood gatherings, and opportunities to get to know the people living around you. If you're moving from another state and don't know anyone, having those opportunities to connect can make a difference.
• You have actual lakes to enjoy. Lake Marion isn't just something you drive past. Antlers Park has a beach, playground, and picnic areas. Orchard Lake is another great spot, and Ritter Farm Park offers wooded trails that feel completely different from the newer subdivisions.
• You can still find land. You can go from a neighborhood with sidewalks and community amenities to a property with several acres, outbuildings, and more privacy without leaving the city.
• There's a real local identity. Pan-O-Prog in the summer, the downtown events, local businesses, and the community's sports culture give Lakeville a personality beyond being another suburb along I-35.

Demyan's Take: What It's Actually Like Living Here

My wife and I chose Lakeville, and now that we're raising our two kids here, I appreciate things I probably wouldn't have thought about before becoming a dad.

We live in Spirit of Brandtjen Farm, and one of my favorite things is the community itself. We know our neighbors. There are neighborhood parties, events, kids playing outside, and people actually spending time together.

That's something you don't always appreciate until you experience it.

I also love how many different options Lakeville gives you. If you want a neighborhood with a pool and community events, you can find that. If you'd rather have a few acres, a long driveway, and some privacy, you can find that too.

And we have some great local spots. Antlers Park is one of my favorites around Lake Marion, especially during the summer. Downtown Lakeville is another place I enjoy, whether it's grabbing food or checking out one of the community events.

The trade-off? Lakeville is farther south than people sometimes realize.

If you work in downtown Minneapolis five days a week, I want you to understand what that commute looks like before you fall in love with a house.

But if you work remotely, have a hybrid schedule, or work in the south metro, Lakeville can make a lot of sense.

Commute Times From Lakeville

Lakeville is a large city, so where you live makes a difference. As a rough guide:

• MSP Airport: about 20 minutes
• Downtown Minneapolis: about 30 minutes

Add a few more minutes if you're in the deeper south or east parts of Lakeville, and more during rush hour.

One thing I always tell people relocating here: check your commute during the hours you'll actually be driving.

That 30-minute drive on a Sunday afternoon can look very different at 7:30 AM on a snowy Tuesday.

Is Lakeville the Right Fit? Compare Nearby Options

Lakeville vs. Apple Valley

I'd lean toward Apple Valley if you want to be a little more central, closer to the airport, and near the established shopping and restaurant corridors along Cedar Avenue and County Road 42.

I'd lean toward Lakeville if you like having more variety between planned communities, lake-area neighborhoods, newer developments, and acreage properties.

Lakeville vs. Eagan

If you're commuting regularly to Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, or MSP Airport, Eagan is worth a serious look. Its location is one of its biggest advantages.

Lakeville makes more sense if you don't need to be quite as close to the core metro and prefer the neighborhoods and lifestyle options farther south.

Lakeville vs. Rosemount

These two are worth comparing closely. Rosemount has a smaller downtown feel, growing residential developments, and newer construction options.

Lakeville has a larger footprint, two major lakes, an established sports culture, and a wider variety of neighborhood settings.

Lakeville vs. Farmington

Farmington is worth considering if you're comparing new construction, newer neighborhoods, and what your budget can buy.

The big thing I'd compare is your daily driving. Depending on where you're headed, living farther south can add meaningful time to your commute.

Lakeville vs. Burnsville

Burnsville offers more established neighborhoods, mature trees, and convenient access to I-35W, Highway 13, and the Minnesota River Valley.

Lakeville is worth considering if you prefer its newer planned communities, local sports scene, and mix of suburban and acreage living.

Not Sure Lakeville Is the Right Fit?

That's where I can help.

I live in Lakeville, but I don't think everyone moving to Minnesota should live here.

When I work with someone relocating, we start with their commute, budget, school preferences, and what they want their everyday life to look like.

Sometimes Lakeville makes perfect sense. Other times, Apple Valley, Eagan, Woodbury, Plymouth, or another suburb might be a better fit.

My job isn't to sell you on one city. It's to help you understand your options so you can make the right decision before buying a home.

Your first Minnesota winter

I won't pretend winters here are mild. But people who move here adjust faster than they expect. What helps most:

• A garage, ideally attached. Not scraping your windshield at 7 a.m. is worth a lot.
• A basement. Most homes here have one, and a finished lower level becomes the winter hangout.
• Snow removal. Buy a snowblower or hire a service before the first storm, not after.
• Winter tires. Many locals swear by them.
• A plan to get outside. Skating, sledding, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing make winter feel shorter.

Getting ready for your first winter? I put together a free Minnesota Winter Guide on how to prepare your home, your car, and your family, plus how to actually enjoy the season. Get the free Minnesota Winter Guide

From an Instagram Comment to a Dream Home in Chanhassen

One of my recent relocation clients found me on Instagram. She commented on one of my posts, and I reached out.

I called a few times. Then she went quiet.

That happens a lot with relocation. People are juggling a job change, a house to sell, and a family to move, all at once. So I kept checking in, without pushing.

When we finally talked live, the picture got clear. She had a job offer in Minnesota. They needed to sell their current home first, and they had a relocation package to work with.

Narrowing it down from 1,000 miles away

We started on Zoom. A couple of calls walking through different suburbs, what each one felt like, and how they fit her commute and budget.

Then they flew in for a first visit, just to get a feel for the area. That trip did a lot. Seeing it in person helped them realize they wanted to focus on new construction.

The second trip

When they came back, we toured new construction across Lakeville, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, and Chanhassen.

They really liked Lakeville. But when we mapped out the drive to work, Chanhassen was the better fit.

And in Chanhassen, they found it. A gorgeous home on a big corner lot, in a setting they loved.

Their dream home.

What I'd tell anyone relocating to Minnesota

You don't have to have it all figured out on the first call. Most of my relocation clients start with a conversation, then a video call or two, then a visit.

Each step narrows it down. By the time you're touring homes, you already know which areas are worth your time.

What my relocation clients say

"From the moment I got in contact with Demyan and his team, he was educating me immediately. As a first-time home buyer, someone like Demyan was a must for me and my family. Very easy to work with and very, very helpful, especially to someone who is new here in Minnesota."William & Sarah, Florida to Plymouth

"My wife and I were first-time home buyers with the added challenge of trying to find a place while still living on the East Coast. From the outset, Demyan, who seemed unfazed by the challenge, walked us through the process and acquainted us with the various suburbs around the Twin Cities, helping us to narrow our search to those places which best fit our budget and family needs. Week after week, he and his team organized virtual house tours to fit our busy schedule, and even after some challenging bidding wars in a hot market, his enthusiasm helped keep us going. After securing a property, Demyan continued to advocate for us, navigating us through some challenging inspection findings and ensuring that all agreed-to repairs and contingencies were completed in a timely manner. Overall, Demyan was highly organized, adaptable, knowledgeable, communicative, and enthusiastic. Being in a similar phase of life, he understood the needs of a growing family. He also seemed to have an endless array of contacts and great working relationships with other agents and contractors, which were invaluable throughout the process. He's continued to be an invaluable resource as we settle into our new home, and we can't thank him enough for all his hard work. For these reasons and more, we highly recommend Demyan. We would work with him all over again if given the opportunity!"Dereak & Kenna, Boston to Woodbury

"We had an outstanding experience working with Demyan while finding and purchasing our home in Minnesota. From the very beginning, he was incredibly professional, highly responsive, and extremely knowledgeable about the market. Relocating can be overwhelming, but Demyan made the entire process feel seamless. He was always available to answer questions, provided thoughtful insights, and truly took the time to understand what we were looking for. We never felt rushed or pressured, only supported and well guided every step of the way. Demyan went above and beyond to ensure everything moved smoothly from start to finish. His attention to detail and commitment to his clients truly set him apart. It was a pleasure working with him, and we would highly recommend Demyan to anyone looking for a trusted and dedicated real estate professional."Aurita & Julian, Chicago to Chanhassen

Relocation FAQ

Is Lakeville a good place to relocate?

For many people, yes, especially if you want more space, newer homes, and access to both the cities and the airport on I-35. It's not for everyone. If a short commute to downtown is your top priority, a closer-in suburb may fit better. A discovery call is the fastest way to figure that out.

Can I buy a home in Minnesota without visiting first?

Yes. Many of my relocation clients buy using live video tours, then close remotely. I'll walk the home on video, point out what photos miss, and attend the inspection for you. If you can visit once, a focused tour weekend is still the best way to choose a suburb.

How cold do the winters really get?

Cold. January regularly drops below zero. But homes here are built for it, and most people adjust faster than they expect. An attached garage, a good snowblower, and the right coat go a long way.

What's the cost of living in Lakeville compared to where I'm moving from?

It depends on where you're coming from. People moving from California or parts of Texas often find they get more home for the money. Property taxes and winter costs, like heating, are worth factoring in. I'll help you compare real numbers on homes you're considering.

Does my corporate relocation package let me choose my own agent?

It depends on your package. Some let you choose freely. Others work through a relocation company with approved agents. I work with many of the relocation companies serving the Twin Cities. Ask your relocation coordinator, or call me and we'll figure it out together.

How far is Lakeville from downtown Minneapolis and the airport?

Lakeville is on I-35, south of the metro core. Depending on where you live, you're about 20 minutes from MSP Airport and about 30 minutes from downtown Minneapolis. Add a few minutes from the farther south parts of Lakeville, and more during rush hour.

About Demyan

I'm Demyan Trofimovich, owner of Trofimovich Group at eXp Realty. I've been helping Minnesota families buy and sell homes for over 10 years. I'm a 5x eXp ICON Agent, I sell about 50 to 60 homes a year, and I rank in the top 5% of agents in Minnesota.

I live in Lakeville with my wife and our two kids. This isn't just where I work. It's home.

Keep exploring: First-Time Home Buyers · Upsizing Guide · Living in Lakeville · Living in Apple Valley · Living in Eagan · relocate2minnesota.com